Apartment Burglary​ Prompts 5-Hour Police Standoff In La Mesa

LA MESA, CA — Police arrested a burglary suspect following a five-hour standoff at an apartment complex in La Mesa.

The apartment manager reported a burglary around 8:45 a.m. Monday at a vacant unit at the complex in the 8500 block of Chloe Avenue, according to the La Mesa Police Department.

"When La Mesa police officers attempted contact at the residence, the suspect refused to exit the apartment and could be heard barricading the door and claimed to have a hostage inside," police Lt. Katy Lynch said. "The suspect was known to officers and was known to have an outstanding felony arrest warrant for a theft-related charge."

Police evacuated nearby apartments during the standoff, which continued for five hours until the suspect, identified as Dnico Hooks, 37, of La Mesa, surrendered and was taken into custody.

"There were no hostages or victims inside the apartment and there were no injuries during the incident," Lynch said. "All residents who were previously evacuated were also cleared to return to their residences."

Hooks will be booked into jail on suspicion of burglary and an outstanding warrant, Lynch said.